The Franks & Feudalism Quiz Study Guide Flashcards

Flashcards covering key topics from the Franks and Feudalism study guide materials.

Why were Feudal Contracts created?

Feudal contracts were created to resolve problems Charlemagne had, likely related to governance and maintaining order across his empire.

What are the Political, Economic, and Social impacts of FEUDALISM on Western Europe?

Feudalism led to decentralized political power, economic self-sufficiency through the manor system, and a rigid social hierarchy.

Who is Clovis and why is he important?

Clovis was a Frankish king who united the Frankish tribes and converted to Christianity, a pivotal moment in Frankish history.

Who is Charles Martel and why is he important?

Charles Martel was a Frankish statesman and military leader, known for winning the Battle of Tours and halting the Muslim (Moors) advance into Europe.

Who is Charlemagne and why is he important?

Charlemagne was a Frankish king who united much of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor.

Describe how a medieval manor works?

A medieval manor was a self-sufficient agricultural estate run by a lord and worked by peasants and serfs.

Describe what each group in the feudal system gets and gives.

Each group in the feudal system exchanged obligations and duties; lords provided land and protection, while vassals provided military service and loyalty.

How did Feudalism meet the needs of the people in Europe?

Feudalism met the needs of the people in Europe by providing protection and a system of social order in the absence of a strong central government.

Describe the Feudal social class system.

The Feudal social class system was a hierarchical structure with the monarch at the top, followed by nobles, knights, and peasants/serfs at the bottom.

What is the difference between a free peasant and a serf?

A free peasant could own land and move freely, while a serf was bound to the land and subject to the lord's control.

Vassal

A person who has entered into a mutual obligation to a Lord or monarch in return for some type of land or benefit

Manor

A self-sufficient agricultural estate run by a lord and worked by peasants

Social Class

A division of a society based on social and economic status

Lord

A person who held land from the king or a powerful Noble

Free Peasant

A peasant who is free to move around

Feudalism

A decentralized political, economic, and social system based on mutual obligations

Social Mobility

The ability to move up or down in social class

Monarch

A king or queen, highest in the feudal system.

Serf

A peasant who is bound to the land

Feudal Contract

A deal or promise between feudal classes

Moors

North African Muslims who advanced into Spain and the rest of Europe

Noble Class

A member of the nobility or aristocracy

Barter

Trading goods or services without exchanging money

Fief

A land of Estate

Knight

A mounted soldier serving a lord

Peasant Class

The lowest social class responsible for working the land and providing services